Tuberculous sacroiliitis. A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Background: Infections of the musculoskeletal system are tuberculous in nature in 1-5% of cases. The sacroiliac joint is involved in 3-9.7%. We describe the case of a 32-year-old man with tuberculous sacroiliitis presented as a growing mass on the lateral aspect of his right proximal and mid-thigh. Open biopsy, histology, cultures and PCR established the diagnosis of tuberculosis. Results: After surgical drainage of the abscess, the patient was administrated a triple antibiotic regimen for 12 months. Seven years postoperatively, the patient is disease-free with no functional limitation. This case report highlights the importance of continued awareness for early detection and treatment of a tuberculous sacroiliac joint infection. © Springer-Verlag 2005.